Lexington alderman Charles Earl Simmons was found guilty Wednesday of harassment and stalking during a retrial. The case involved allegations from city employees, including Deputy Clerk Brenda Powell and City Clerk Casshondra Pitchford.
Justice Court Judge Abraham Gates upheld Simmons’s guilty verdict on the harassment and stalking charges brought by Powell. However, Gates reserved judgment on additional charges involving Pitchford and Public Works Director Timothy Brown, with final decisions pending. Simmons was ordered to pay a fine, although the amount was not immediately disclosed, and was placed on probation for remaining allegations.
Simmons, who previously was convicted in absentia on all charges, argued he missed the initial trial because he was not properly served. He contended that city employees retaliated against him with false accusations, claiming he was simply holding them accountable. The judge warned Simmons that his behavior at city hall and work sites was inappropriate and could lead to further legal action if it continued.
During the hearing, Simmons was accused of violating a city ban from City Hall, which had been enacted in September 2025 following complaints from Powell. Powell testified that Simmons made lewd remarks and inappropriate advances toward her before he was elected and continued to harass her afterward, including following her to a closed city office and intimidating her in person.
Other city employees described a pattern of conduct that made their jobs difficult and caused them to fear for their safety. Powell said she sought medical treatment for anxiety and high blood pressure related to Simmons’ actions. Pitchford recounted calling police after Simmons’ conduct became threatening, and she barricaded herself to protect herself.
Brown testified that Simmons frequently showed up at work sites to record him and his crew and filed unnecessary work orders to waste time. Judge Gates acknowledged that Simmons’s behavior bordered on unlawful conduct and warned him to cease such actions. Simmons argued he was only trying to monitor city work in his ward and questioned employees’ authority.
Throughout the proceedings, Simmons accused city officials of fabricating statements and claimed he was being unfairly targeted. Gates admonished Simmons for his conduct and ordered him to stay away from City Hall and city work sites unless attending in his official capacity. The judge warned that any further incidents could result in revisiting the charges against him.
Gates told Simmons, “I’m trying to save you,” emphasizing that as an alderman, he should focus on official duties rather than personal disputes. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Simmons and city employees, with legal and behavioral issues still unresolved.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
